Abstract

MASHABELA, Kenokeno. Training of African Independent Churches Students at the Umphumulo Lutheran Theological College. Studia Hist. Ecc. [online]. 2023, vol.49, n.3, pp.1-15. ISSN 2412-4265.  http://dx.doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/14157.

The African Independent Churches Association (AICA) holds a unique place in the contribution of South African theological education. The AICA established the AICA Theological College; however, later on it initiated a theological negotiation with the Umphumulo Lutheran Theological College (ULTC) to train its students. The African Independent Churches (AICs) are seriously concerned with theologically training their church leaders. The vision and mission of the AICs are to sustain and grow the quality of their doctrine. This is to ensure that the significant connection between theological training and their own churches' life experiences are encouraged. The role of theological training has much potential to train theological students of pastoral leadership. Thus, theological training and the church have always taken a rightful place to serve communities. This article explores why the AICs are training their theological students at the ULTC. The article focuses on four areas. Firstly, it discusses an early partnership between the ULTC and the AICs. Secondly, it offers some reasons why the AICs initiated the process of training their theological students at the South African theological institutions of the mainline churches. Thirdly, it discusses the establishment of the AICA Theological College and its success and challenges. Fourthly, it outlines the theological curriculum challenges offered to AICs theological students and the Lutheran support initiatives to the AICs.

Keywords : African Independent Churches; African spirituality; Edward Lekganyane; indigenous theology; Isaiah Shembe; Lutheran World Federation; South African universities.

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